Bega Town Hall work begins

AFTER years of research, consultation and debate, the redevelopment of the Bega Town Hall into the Bega Civic Centre will begin next week.

The contractors, Hines Construction, will begin preparing the site for redevelopment on Monday and work will begin the following week on February 10.

Mayor Bill Taylor said it had been a lengthy process to get to this point in providing a multi-function community space for people living in and around Bega.

He said the town hall had been decommissioned in 2008 and since then the community had been without a central meeting place to host local functions and events.

“The design of the new civic centre will deliver all this and more to the community, with adaptable public and council meeting and performance spaces, easy access, and a large function hall with a commercial kitchen,” Cr Taylor said.

“I am pleased that we have the potential to create the next link in the whole civic precinct providing access to community buildings, open spaces and commercial and retail facilities all within easy reach.

“Site preparation will commence next week with the installation of fencing and site infrastructure.

“Removal of trees growing in the footprint of the new civic centre will commence in the near future, and the community will be informed of these works prior to commencement.”

Cr Taylor said it was Hines Construction’s policy to engage local subcontractors, tradespeople and labour on its projects in the belief that having local people involved in the construction process generated a greater level of pride and ownership in the finished building.

“We will also be retaining the history of the town hall to identify and acknowledge its history as a war memorial.

“This will be a civic centre that will cater to all sectors of the community and one that we can be proud of,” he said.